Wolf Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

Coming in different expressions, wolf tattoo meaning is one of the most-searched phrases on the internet.

This is not surprising, especially when you think of how bold, daring, and powerful a wolf tattoo is.

Known to instigate fear in the hearts of weak people, no other animal holds such innate attributes as that of a wolf.

Little wonder why there is so much call for some insights into the mysteries of the wolf.

Are you one of those in awe of this awesome animal?

Do you want to get a deep understanding of what this tattoo stands for?

If your answer is yes, then you are in luck.

By the time you finish reading this article, you will find answers to all your wolf tattoo questions and more.

What Does A Wolf Tattoo Mean?

To begin, many believe that dogs came from wolves. Therefore, they hold the opinion that if dogs could be loving and adorable, then wolves also have such tendencies.

Make no mistake; these two animals are not the same. If nothing, for the fact that one is a domestic animal and the other a wild one is enough difference.

But coming back to our point of digression, wolves represent a lot of things.

Native Americans see the wolf as a spiritual being, that is a totem animal. Such animals are regarded as guides that help direct people through life. In this aspect, a wolf tattoo can symbolize direction and guidance.

Since wolves hunt and live in packs, this makes them powerful and fearless.

A pack of wolf are known to take care of their own, especially their pups.

And so for the Native Americans, this also represents a close family knit. The wolf tattoo can symbolize a close bond.

The tribal wolf tattoo holds very powerful meanings. Some of them include strength, spiritual protection, family, loyalty, devotion, luck and love.

If you would love your wolf tattoo to represent a close family knit, you can have all your loved ones initials inked inside a wolf paw. This is one way to show your devotion and loyalty.

The wolf is not always regarded as a good and wonderful animal. In fact, wolves are also seen as fearsome animals and predators.

To the Early European Christians, they often regard the wolf as a symbol of evil and fear. The predatory aspect of the wolf was not seen as a good thing.

But there is something referred to as the lone wolf. Instead of moving and surviving in packs like the wolves are known to do, the lone wolf walks and survives alone.

These lone wolves are usually the older female wolves who can no longer meet up with breeding, and are therefore driven away by the male packs. They, therefore, have to hunt, live and do everything alone.

In this sense, the lone wolf tattoo can symbolize independence, freedom and the symbol of the ultimate survivor.

Because wolves move in packs, that singular act is often seen as a great leadership trait that is worthy of emulation.

The head of the pack decides where to go and what they do. Therefore, a head of the pack wolf tattoo is a way of showing leadership skills and strength.

Another thing with the wolves is that they do everything they can to stay alive. If it calls for putting up a fight, they do so accordingly. This is often translated to mean the battle with mortality.

And then you see the wolf and skull tattoo which represents the afterlife.

Just so you know, the wolf is also regarded as a powerful protector. They are very courageous and at the same time fierce. They go the extra mile to protect their own.

So, if you are someone that holds protection in high esteem, then the wolf tattoo is for you.

The wolf howling before of a full moon is a common wolf tattoo. Although this is not often seen in good light, you can change the narrative. You can personalize it to mean the excitement of looking on to the break of the dawn.

Why Are Wolf Tattoos Popular?

Wolves are fierce-looking animals that command fear and respect wherever they are found.

Have you seen the face of a wolf tattoo with full details and colors drawn on someone’s skin before? You would agree that it can be very fearful.

This is one major reason the wolf tattoo is popular.

We all love to command respect wherever we go. Therefore, the mere sight of the wolf tattoo gives that effect.

Another reason is that wolves are courageous. Even in the face of danger, wolves hardly back down.

The lion is dreaded by other animals in the forest. But this is not a deterrent to wolves.

Wolves are brave enough to attack the king of the jungle in their packs, especially when the lion is alone.

It takes courage to do that, and this is one reason the wolf tattoo is attractive to many.

In terms of love, the wolf and heart tattoo is a good way to show how intense the person’s love is. This often refers to the love shared among family and friends.

When you think of the fact that wolves represent strength, spiritual protection, loyalty, devotion, luck and love, courage and fierceness, independence and freedom, you will understand why people love this tattooing this animal.

There are just so many reasons people love this tattoo, and these reasons are often peculiar to the person.

Best Placement For Wolf Tattoo

One of the best things about the wolf tattoo is where it is placed.

If you want enough space to display the beauty and intricate details of the wolf in all its colors, you should aim for the back. Not only that, the back allows you add other details like trees and moon to the wolf tattoo.

We have also seen how beautiful the wolf tattoo looks on the forearm.

You can check out a wolf tattoo that is inked on the arm to see if it’s something you will like. Plus, you can also get in some details of the wolf even with the limited space on the forearm.

If you are not yet ready for a full wolf tattoo that covers all its details, you can opt for the highlighted tattoo.

Here, the highlight is more like tracing the wolf’sfeatures on your skin without filling it.

So, for such tattoos, you can ink them on your hand, wrist, ankle, leg, foot or anywhere else you fancy.

There is no limit to where you can place your wolf tattoo. As long as you are comfortable with the placement, then nothing else matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wolf Tattoos

What does a growling wolf tattoo represent?

The growling wolf serves as a warning and defense to anything that threatens the pack of wolves. It is a message sent out to intruders to beware because the wolves will do whatever it takes to protect their own. The growling wolf tattoo is a representation of strong protection of family against any threat.

What does an alpha wolf tattoo symbolize?

The alpha wolf is seen as the head of the pack. The alpha wolf represents free-spiritedness and strength. They are often drawn howling at the moon.

What are the popular wolf tattoos?

Some popular images of the wolf tattoo are that of a snarling, howling, and angry wolf tattoos. You will also find that wolf tattoos with tall trees, feathers, and mandalas are also popular. A wolf tattoo with a flower is also popular and tends to show the wolf as a loving and gentle animal.

What does a blue eye wolf tattoo mean?

It means that the wolf is all-knowing and mysterious. The wolf does not have blue eyes in the first instance. But the blue eye is only used to represent some of the innate attributes of the wolf.

Conclusion

Wolves are highly intelligent, playful and very complex animals. They are often regarded as being very devoted and protective of their pack.

But above all, the wolf’s courageous nature is one major reason people love the wolf tattoo. When you combine that with the fierceness of the wolf, you find that no other tattoo best displays this attribute like the wolf tattoo.

Also Read:

About the author

I’m S.R Bhuiyan, a proud Tattoo artist. I will share the body art journey with you here in PrettyJust. I have 10+ years of experience in the field of tattoo, piercing, nail art, and skincare. Check out my bio which has my tattoo studio/cat/travel pics!

Leave a Comment